HP Virtual Connect 1.10Gb-F Ethernet Module for c-Class BladeSystem User Manual
Page 44
Installation 44
Virtual Connect Ethernet modules support 10GBASE-CX4 stacking cables 0.5 m to 7 m (1.64 ft to 23.00
ft). The 1000BASE-T links can also be used as stacking links of up to 100 m (328 ft). Ports with different
connector types can be aggregated if the link speed is the same. For example, CX4 and SFP+ ports both
running at 10G can be aggregated to provide enhanced throughput for the stacking link.
NOTE:
The CX4 interface uses the same physical connector as Infiniband, but Infiniband
cables are tuned differently and will not perform as well in CX4 applications. HP recommends
purchasing CX4 cable assemblies that meet the IEEE CX4 specifications and support 10-
Gigabit communication at distances from 3 m to 15 m (9.84 ft to 49.20 ft).
Fully redundant interconnection of Virtual Connect Ethernet modules is recommended. The recommended
stacking configurations have redundant connections. If a stacking cable is lost, the Ethernet packets within
the Virtual Connect domain are automatically re-routed to the uplink through the redundant path. This
configuration also helps preserve network connectivity if an Ethernet interconnect module fails or is
removed. Due to the reliability of the midplane connection between horizontally-adjacent Virtual Connect
Ethernet modules, external stacking cables are not needed in configurations with two Virtual Connect
Ethernet modules in interconnect bays 1 and 2.